MEDIA RELEASE
Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gary Seddon, continues to host staff town hall meetings, reinforcing the airline's commitment to transformation and readiness ahead of the arrival of its first Airbus A220 aircraft in September.
The fourth session, held last week in Port Moresby and streamed online, enabled participation from staff across domestic and international ports.
These town halls are integral to Air Niugini's internal engagement strategy, focusing on preparing staff for the operational, technological, and cultural shifts accompanying the re-fleet program.
"With just over 60 days until the first A220 lands at Jackson’s, significant efforts are underway to ensure both the airline and our staff are prepared for the aircraft's Entry Into Service (EIS)," said Mr. Seddon.
"We are demonstrating collective collaboration, showcasing what Air Niugini can achieve through teamwork. It is not the first time Air Niugini has brought a new aircraft type into the fleet, so we have the capacity and experience to be successful."
Mr. Seddon acknowledged the dedication of employees across departments, highlighting the extensive behind-the-scenes work ensuring the airline is equipped to embrace a new era of aviation in Papua New Guinea.
Staff were briefed on the airline’s progress in meeting key milestones for the A220’s EIS, with several deliverables already ahead of schedule.
Training programs for pilots, engineers, cabin crew, and ground staff are underway, ensuring all operational teams are certified and prepared for the new aircraft.
"Our first two pilots, Captain Beverly Pakii and Captain Timothy Narara, have attained command on the A220. Currently, four pilots are undergoing training in Mirabel, Canada, with another six to follow.
"Twelve engineers have been engaged in extensive training with Lufthansa Technik in Port Moresby, and Singapore, and are now gaining on-the-job experience with QantasLink in Canberra.
"Airbus is also sending engineering capacity to Port Moresby as part of the program. Our cabin crew managers have completed the 'train-the-trainers' program in Zurich, Switzerland, with a second group about to undergo training in Melbourne.
"Ground staff are also participating in intensive training in their respective areas. As I have always emphasized, it's no longer business as usual," Mr. Seddon stated.
"We have a significant opportunity to enhance air travel for our country. We must proactively examine all aspects of our business to increase aircraft utilization, improve services, and deliver affordable, reliable travel.
"There are many that will try to hold us back or talk us down. But change is inevitable. PNG deserves a modern, reliable, efficient air transport service.
"And Air Niugini will lead that charge, with the support of our shareholder, KCH, our Minister, and this Government. The A220 will replace the Fokker and Boeing narrow body fleet and will operate across the country and the region."
The town hall also provided an open forum for staff to raise questions directly with the CEO and management.
Apart from the A220, questions were also raised on the possibility of introducing a dedicated domestic freighter to support cargo operations and addressing the ongoing challenges of consistent regional fuel availability.
Mr. Seddon addressed each query, emphasising the importance of transparent communication during this period of change.
In addition to fleet updates, Chief Financial Officer Ms. Judy Kuk spoke on the recent implementation of Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP.
She highlighted the system's role in modernising Air Niugini's finance, HR, payroll, and supply chain operations, and encouraged staff to engage with the platform.
"All manual processes are being replaced. As an airline, we must elevate our standards, and Oracle is our chosen way forward. It ensures every part of the business is integrated into one enterprise, resulting in improved governance and accountability. By now, most of you are using the Oracle portal for your HR queries. It has much more to offer, such as booking training, appraisals, and requests for leave, and salary sacrifice," Ms. Kuk said.
The CFO also took the opportunity to introduce the collaboration with the Port Moresby General Hospital – where Air Niugini employees and their dependents can have access to a suite of medical interventions, on top of the current medical support provided by the company. “Employee health and wellbeing is a critical consideration, and we are always looking at ways to improve.”
The CEO took time to explain the steps Air Niugini is taking to attract and retain employees.
Training is expensive, but there is a shortage of experienced, qualified engineers, pilots, and cabin crew across the industry. And our Air Niugini employees are highly sought after.
As Air Niugini prepares to welcome the first of its Airbus A220 aircraft in September, the airline reaffirms its commitment to operational excellence, enhanced passenger experience, and regional connectivity.
The A220 is globally recognized for its fuel efficiency, quieter performance, and superior comfort, marking a new era for air travel in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region.
End…//
Corporate Communications Department
Wednesday 16th July, 2025
